I've come across far too many cowboys in my time and need to find good, reliable tradespeople who do a good job and don't rip you off.Any ideas on how to find them. I usually rely on recommendations these days from friends but that's not always possible.
2006-12-08 08:02:02 · 8 answers · asked by Haydn S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Try your local Councils web site, they normally publish a list of council approved tradesmen.
These normally have to have very good references and vetted by the council to remain on there list.
2006-12-08 08:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by akamanuk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The building industry is becoming more regulated due to this problem. At the moment only the gas industry is regulated by laws and gas fitters need to be registered, but it will all be changing soon.
By 2008-9 most trades operatives will have in their possession a CSCS (Construction Skills) card. It is a photo ID card, and on the back it outlines their particular skill or trades and the level of competence.
At the moment this card is only required on major building sites, such as new build (NHBC) housing sites and schools/hospitals building sites etc, but almost 1 million builder now have the card.
This is an official government scheme and funded by them, and delivered through UK learning centres.
To get a card you must be competent and have been observed over a minimum ten week period. Then you must take a 40 question health and safety test similar to the written driving test. The test covers all aspects of safety and is generic (includes every trade).
The operative has to be observed undertaking tasks they normally do in their normal working lives, a bricklayer will need to lay bricks, blocks and build arches and pillars and similar, and to a national occupational standard.
A plasterer will be seen applying cement renders, and plastering walls and ceilings and pebble dashing or putting up ornate plaster coving etc, all work must beof a high standard.
And so on with all trades.
The findings will be stored in a file which will include photographs, witness statements, site plans letters from customers and other documentation to prove their competence and abilities in their field.
At the very least, ask any potential builder that you call up, if they have the 'CSCS card' or any other qualification certificates to show you. If they have never heard of this card then they will soon anyway!
Most will obtain the card by going through an OSAT (on site assesment) scheme.
If your builder shows you a 20 old certificate to say they were at a college learning carpentry in 1986, for example, consider this is too old, it doesn't prove they have been a carpenter for 20 years at all, they may have been a postman or window cleaner for 17 years!
Get three quotes for any work, ask for CSCS cards, ask for previous customer references and ask if it is ok to call them up, for the results of the work which was done.
http://www.cscs.uk.com/
2006-12-09 00:38:59 · answer #2 · answered by My name's MUD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a builder myself, I'm in the process of signing up to the 'Checkatrade' scheme which is run by the local Trading Standards office and sponsered by Tesco. www.checkatrade.com
I don't know how widespead this scheme is yet, but the website will tell you if it's in your area. To be a member, tradespeople get cards to fill in and leave with clients. The clients fill in details of the work done, and various ratings as to how happy they were with the work and the tradesmen.
Avoid 'chequebook clubs' like Federation of Master Builders and the like; anybody can join on production of a piece of headed paper and a cheque for a fairly large sum of money.
Good luck
2006-12-08 09:15:54 · answer #3 · answered by pixiefeet@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an electrician i can inform you that it is big business on the Internet at the moment to set yourself up as some sort of trade register I have been approached by dozens of companies trying to scam both contractors and people looking for a tradesman my advice is to only use recommended tradesman and to look at their last few jobs talking to the people who have had the work done
2006-12-10 01:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by Terence K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the consumers choice award website: http://www.ccaward.com/new/ce/home.html there is an american and a canadian version. These are tradesman and other professionals who have worked hard towards excellence and hve been chosen as the best in their trade by the consumers. That or the Better Business Bureau website.
2006-12-08 08:13:15 · answer #5 · answered by C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if there was the web site would charge a fee which means that might exclude a good tradesman.
My advice is ONLY go on reccomendations from your friends and if you cannot still find a good tradesman WAIT until you do find one
2006-12-08 08:06:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for tradesmen that work on schools or hospitals. The government checks these people so you know that they are not cowboys.
2006-12-10 02:07:40 · answer #7 · answered by danny c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your local trading standards office may be the best place to ask.
Their address will be available by searching for it online
2006-12-10 23:51:31 · answer #8 · answered by The mad Scotsman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋